The fastest way to connect

Open the network icon in your system tray — it's in the bottom right corner of your taskbar, next to the clock. Click it once. You'll see a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Find your network name (called the SSID), click it, then click "Connect". Windows will ask for your Wi-Fi password. Type it in exactly as it appears on your router or in your account paperwork, then click "Next". You're connected.

That's the whole process for most people. If your network doesn't appear in the list, or if you get stuck at the password step, the sections below cover what to do.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar, select your Wi-Fi network from the list, and enter your password to connect.
  • If your network doesn't show up, make sure your router is powered on and your Wi-Fi is turned on — check for a physical button or switch on the router itself.
  • Windows 11 stores your password after the first connection, so you won't need to type it again when you reconnect to the same network.
  • If you see "Can't connect to this network" after entering the password, the password is wrong — check it character by character against what's printed on your router.
  • Restarting your router (unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in) fixes most connection problems that don't involve a wrong password.

When your network doesn't appear in the list

First, check that your router is actually on. Look for a power light on the front or back — it should be lit or blinking. If it's dark, plug in the power cable and wait two to three minutes for the router to start up. Most routers take a minute or two to broadcast their network name after they power on.

Next, check that Wi-Fi is turned on at the router. Some routers have a physical button or switch labeled "Wi-Fi" or with a wireless symbol. Press or flip it if you see one. If there's no physical button, the Wi-Fi is probably on by default. If your network still doesn't show up after waiting a few minutes, restart your router: unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait another two to three minutes for it to fully restart, then check the network list again.

When you see "Can't connect to this network"

This message means Windows tried to connect but the password you entered doesn't match what the router expects. The most common cause is a typo — Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters are different from lowercase letters, and spaces count.

Find your Wi-Fi password. It's usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or in the paperwork that came with it. Look for a line that says "Password", "Wi-Fi Password", "Network Key", or "PSK". Copy the password exactly as written — don't retype it by hand if you can avoid it, because one wrong character will cause the connection to fail. Try connecting again and paste the password instead of typing it. If you still get the same error, your router's password may have been changed from the default. If you changed it yourself and forgot it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings. Hold down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and go back to its default password, which is printed on the sticker.

When Windows connects but the internet doesn't work

You might see a Wi-Fi network listed as "Connected", but when you try to open a website or use an app, nothing loads. This usually means your router is on but not actually connected to the internet from your internet service provider. Check the lights on your router. Most routers have a light labeled "Internet", "WAN", or "Modem" that should be lit or blinking when the internet connection is working.

If that light is off or red, your router isn't receiving internet from your provider. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the light still doesn't come on after the restart, contact your internet service provider — the problem is on their end, not your computer. If the internet light is on but you still can't browse, restart your computer. Sometimes Windows needs to refresh its network settings after connecting.

Connecting to a hidden network

Some routers are set up to hide their network name from the list. If you know the network name and password but don't see it in the available networks list, you can connect manually. Click the network icon, then scroll down and click "Wi-Fi" to expand the menu.

Click "Manage known networks" at the bottom. Click "Add network". Enter the network name exactly as you know it, select the security type (usually "WPA2-Personal" or "WPA3-Personal" — check your router's sticker if you're not sure), enter the password, and click "Save". Windows will then connect to that network automatically when you're in range.

Forgetting and reconnecting to a network

Windows stores your Wi-Fi password after you connect once, so you won't have to type it again. But if you want to remove a network from your saved list — for example, if you're moving and don't want your computer to automatically connect to your old network — you can forget it.

Click the network icon, then click "Wi-Fi" to expand the menu. Click "Manage known networks". Find the network you want to remove and click it, then click "Forget". The next time you want to connect to that network, you'll need to enter the password again. This is useful if you're leaving a location or if you want to stop your computer from automatically reconnecting to a network you no longer use.

Connecting to public and guest networks

Public networks at coffee shops, libraries, and airports often don't require a password. Click the network icon, find the network name in the list, click it, and click "Connect". You may see a notification that the network is "Open" — that's normal. After you connect, your browser might open a login page automatically. If it doesn't, open any website and you'll be redirected to a login screen where you can enter your email or accept terms of service.

Public networks are not encrypted, meaning other people on the same network can potentially see what you're doing. Avoid logging into bank accounts, email, or other sensitive services on public Wi-Fi. If you need to do something private, use your phone's hotspot instead, or wait until you're on a secure home network. Guest networks on private routers work the same way — they're convenient for visitors but less secure than your main network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

This usually happens because your router is too far away, there's interference from other devices, or your router needs a restart. Try moving closer to the router. If that doesn't help, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If disconnections keep happening, your router may be overheating — make sure it has space around it and isn't in a hot closet or cabinet.

Can I connect to Wi-Fi without typing the password every time?

Yes. After you connect once and enter the password correctly, Windows saves it. The next time you're in range of that network, Windows will connect automatically without asking for the password again. If you want to stop this, you can forget the network in your saved networks list.

What's the difference between WPA2 and WPA3?

WPA3 is newer and more secure, but both work fine. If your router supports WPA3, use it. If your router only supports WPA2, that's still secure for home use. You don't need to choose — your router handles the security type automatically when you connect.

Is it safe to connect to any Wi-Fi network I see?

Public networks are safe to browse on, but not safe for sensitive tasks like banking. Private networks (ones that require a password) are more secure because only people with the password can connect. Never connect to a network with a name like "Free Public Wi-Fi" unless you're sure it's legitimate — scammers sometimes create fake networks with generic names to intercept data.

What if I don't know my Wi-Fi password?

Check the sticker on your router — the password is usually printed there. If you changed the password and forgot it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all custom settings and returns the password to the default one printed on the sticker.